Ahead of the Anambra State governorship election, the police have launched raids on identified troubled areas across the state.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, ordered a coordinated security patrol of flashpoints two weeks before the polls.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 28, the Command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the operation aims to curb emerging threats of political thuggery, cult-related violence, and illegal possession of firearms, ensuring a secure and peaceful election.
“Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders must intensify intelligence-driven operations and coordinated security raids across identified flashpoints in their respective areas of jurisdiction,” the statement read.
According to Ikenga, Orutugu noted that credible intelligence reports indicated that certain individuals and groups, acting on behalf of political interests, may be mobilising youths for violent activities before and during the election period.
The police commissioner warned that the command would not tolerate any attempt to disrupt public peace, intimidate voters, or undermine lawful electoral processes.
He reiterated that the police would remain neutral and non-partisan, adding that their duty is to protect lives and property, safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, and enforce the law without bias.
This development comes a day after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Anambra State fully prepared for the governorship election.
The announcement followed a weeklong readiness assessment tour conducted by a high-level delegation from INEC headquarters in Abuja, led by National Commissioner for Election Planning and Monitoring, Rhoda Gumus, who reviewed facilities, logistics, and security arrangements across the state.